Steering issues (redhead gearbox?)
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 745
Likes: 34
Steering issues (redhead gearbox?)
Seems like i have been fighting a steering wandering problem for a while now, and cant seem to find anything to make my truck steer without so much driver input, makes for a unrelaxing drive on long trips cant relax behind the wheel. My truck is at a suspension shop right now and he cant find anything wrong with it. He says may be coming from the gearbox. My question is the redhead gearbox any good, who has one and what is your opinion. Yes i have done a search but not alot of info to be found. And he also says all suspension parts are tight and not worn.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Middletown,NJ
The shop I use for alignment, etc recommended that I increase the tension on the steering gear. Not sure exactly how this is done, but apparently the ford spec results in a bit of "play" in the steering wheel. So I had them go ahead and increase the tension and it took a little play out of the wheel. From what I remember, you have to be careful not to over-tighten because it may cause the steering to bind at full lock, or something like that.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
Adjusting the steering box:
Have an assistant (wife) slowly rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the input shaft and pitman arm on the steering box. Listen for any knocking sound, too. If there is visible play (defined here as a lack of pitman arm movement for a given amount of steering shaft input), then adjust as follows:
Loosen the locknut on the top of the steering gearbox and then turn the allen-head screw about 1/8 of a turn to the right, and retighten the locknut. Drive the truck - if the steering seems stiff at all, then undo the adjustment you just did. I found that 1/4 turn was too much. Since steering boxes wear in the 'middle' (where you drive 95% of the time), if you get them too tight, they will be ok in the middle, but will bind under a full-lock turn. So, don't go overboard with the adjustment.
Adjusting the box won't solve all box-related sloppiness, but it will sure take the edge off the slack in the steering.
HTH,
Steve
Have an assistant (wife) slowly rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the input shaft and pitman arm on the steering box. Listen for any knocking sound, too. If there is visible play (defined here as a lack of pitman arm movement for a given amount of steering shaft input), then adjust as follows:
Loosen the locknut on the top of the steering gearbox and then turn the allen-head screw about 1/8 of a turn to the right, and retighten the locknut. Drive the truck - if the steering seems stiff at all, then undo the adjustment you just did. I found that 1/4 turn was too much. Since steering boxes wear in the 'middle' (where you drive 95% of the time), if you get them too tight, they will be ok in the middle, but will bind under a full-lock turn. So, don't go overboard with the adjustment.
Adjusting the box won't solve all box-related sloppiness, but it will sure take the edge off the slack in the steering.
HTH,
Steve
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 18
From: Millersburg, OH
After replacing pretty much every component in the front end I installed a Red Head and love it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
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